In a subdued atmosphere of reminiscence and respect, R.M. Veerappan, a famed stalwart of Tamil Nadu politics and cinema, passed away in Chennai on the 9th of April at the age of 98. Veerappan, who was lovingly referred to as RMV, leaves behind a legacy marked by steadfast loyalty, political acumen, and cinematic contributions. His journey through life is charted by the enduring bonds he formed with notable individuals such as M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and later his nuanced relationship with J. Jayalalithaa.
RMV’s political footprints were firmly planted in the 1980s when he served as a dynamic and influential minister in the cabinet of the late M.G. Ramachandran, an iconic figure in Tamil Nadu’s political and cinematic spheres. Veerappan was not only a close associate of the film-star-turned-politician but was also considered MGR’s most trusted lieutenant.
Dipping into the theatrical world, RMV played an instrumental role in founding Sathya Movies. His collaboration with MGR led to blockbuster hits, strengthening the intertwining of film and politics. Veerappan’s innovative campaign strategies came to light when he used powerful images of MGR to garner empathy and support from the masses during elections, proving his avant-garde approach to politics and public relations.
RMV’s life was a tapestry of bold moves and alliances. Not confined to his astonishing success as a film producer, RMV cut his teeth in the political realm when he joined the AIADMK alongside MGR. With the party’s ascent to power in 1977, Veerappan’s expertise was immediately tapped, appointing him as the Minister of Information, despite not holding a legislative assembly seat at the time. He later secured a spot in the Legislative Council and served in various ministerial capacities, including overseeing the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department.
However, politics is often a chess game, and RMV’s maneuvers led to contrasting fortunes. After MGR’s passing, Veerappan initially supported MGR’s widow Janaki, although this changed as he later aligned with Jayalalithaa’s camp, then ascendant within the AIADMK. His ministerial career continued under Jayalalithaa, but a fateful public event in 1995 altered his trajectory. During the success celebrations of the film Baashha, where actor Rajinikanth openly criticized the AIADMK government, RMV’s silence was interpreted as tacit approval by an irate Jayalalithaa. Even his subsequent explanation did not temper her stance, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the party – a decisive moment recounted in Ranimynthan’s biography, “RMV Oru Thondar.”
Following his political exile, RMV sought to bounce back by forming his party, MGR Kazhagam, pinning hopes on Rajinikanth’s public allure to stage a comeback. Yet fate, and the actor’s ensuing support for rival parties DMK and TMC in the 1996 elections, cast a different die.
Born in the Pudukottai district, RMV ventured into entertainment by joining the drama troupe Balashanmugananda Sabha, igniting a passion that would later sync with his political interests. Working for Dravidar Kazhagam’s official organ Dravida Nadu and partnering with Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, RMV forged ideological connections that would shape his later life.
From crafting MGR’s public image to innovating political campaign strategies, RMV’s multifaceted life encapsulated the vibrant cross-section of politics and cinema in Tamil Nadu. Mourning his passing, the state reflects on his contributions that have left indelible marks on Tamil Nadu’s cultural and political landscapes. As the curtains fall on the life of this political impresario and cinephile, his seminal role in shaping the AIADMK’s early triumphs and his unyielding spirit in the face of political upheaval will be recorded in the annals of Tamil Nadu’s history.
